10 Ways to Spend This Fourth of July Weekend

Nearly 43 million Americans are expected to travel this Fourth of July weekend (a record high!), so it’s safe to say that plenty of people already have their holiday plans locked down. If you’re still at a loss over what to do, here are a few ideas.

1. Go traditional. From beachfront barbecues to fireworks in the nation’s capital, these are among the most classic ways to spend America’s birthday.

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2. Get weird. If you’re in search of something a bit… out of the ordinary, head to one of these quirky July 4th celebrations. Because what’s more American than a log-rolling contest — am I right?

4. Go coastal. Spend the quintessential holiday weekend in one of these charming waterfront towns. Highlights include strolling along Bay Street in Beaufort, SC and crabbing in St. Michael’s, MD.

5. Take a road trip. What’s summer without an adventure on the open road? These routes will lead you to some of the country’s best sights, like Dinosaur National Monument, Mount Rushmore, and the Santa Monica Pier.

6. Do a bike and beer tour. This Fourth of July, pedal your way through cities like Portland and Chicago with stops at pubs and breweries. Don’t forget your helmet!

7. Take the train to the beach. With so many holiday revelers hitting the sand this weekend, ditch the car and head for the beach by train. Bye-bye, traffic.

8. Visit a cool small town. Fourth of July weekend is usually a hot one, so beat the heat in places like Traverse City, Carmel-by-the-Sea, and Durango.

10. Watch the Walt Disney World fireworks. The Orlando resort knows how to put on a fireworks show. On Independence Day, watch the skies over Magic Kingdom and Epcot light up in red, white, and blue. For those who want to skip the parks (and crowds!), there’s good news: you can catch a great view of the show from these off-site locations.